DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team dug themselves a hole in the opening quarter on Wednesday, but would fight back in a 71-93 loss to the Loras College Duhawks. 

The Spartans trailed by 38 points to start the fourth quarter, by a 46-84 margin. UD chipped away at the extended lead and would outscore the Duhawks 25-9 in the final nine minutes.

A young team battling key injuries would play four freshman at times on the court would finish with four Spartans in double digit scoring. McKenzie Maahs led UD with 14 points, and nine rebounds. Abigail Zurcher was a perfect 3-3 from beyond the three point arc to finish with 13 points. Kia Dwight and Amari Sims would both finish the night with 12 points. 

UD made 25-58 attempts from the field (43.1%), 5-14 from three point area (35.7%), and sank 16-26 free throw attempts (61.5%). 

The Spartans will now look to Saturday, Dec.1 when they host the visiting Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves at 2 p.m. on Jon Davison Court in Stoltz Sports Center.

Wednesday's American Rivers Conference Scores:
Loras - 93 at UD - 71
Simpson - 69 at Wartburg - 83
Central - 63 at Nebraska Wesleyan - 74
Coe - 86 at Buena Vista - 56